Tag Archives: DOD

Defense Sec. Chuck Hagel Includes Image Of Gay Proposal In Holiday Message

In a holiday message posted earlier this month, outgoing Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and his wife included an image of a gay sailor proposing to his boyfriend. (Via Towleroad)

Read More »

Ashton Carter To Be Defense Nominee

Carter was Deputy Secretary of Defense from October 2011 to December 2013.  He’s thought to be an uncontroversial choice, but you-know-who might try to block the nomination just because.

Read More »

LIVE VIDEO: President Obama Announces Resignation Of Defense Secretary Hagel

The announcement is due at 11AM.

Read More »

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Resigns

The “pushed or jumped?” chatter is lighting up Twitter.

Read More »

Pentagon Recognizes LGBT Pride Month

The Department of Defense issued similar flyers in 2012 and 2013 and all three include the word “transgender” despite the continuing ban on transgender service.

Read More »

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel To Squash Rogue National Guard Units

As I’ve reported several times, National Guard units in several states have refused to grant spousal benefits to legally married gay couples, claiming that state laws supersede federal military policies. That’s going to stop. From a speech given last night by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel: Today, I directed the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Frank Grass, to …

Read More »

Department Of Defense Video Tracks Military Couple Enjoying New Benefits

Sometimes it feels like we’ve moved to a different planet.

Read More »

Meanwhile In Texas…

From the memo: The DoD will begin extending spouse and family benefits, such as identification cards, to same-sex spouses. Enrollment into the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) will begin on 3 September 2013 The TXMF is a state agency under the authority and direction of the Texas state government. Therefore, the TXMF must consider that the Texas Constitution and …

Read More »

Secretary Of Defense Chuck Hagel Issues Memo Confirming Military Leave Policy For Same-Sex Marriages

Hit the full-screen icon and enjoy!

Read More »

AFGHANISTAN: Defense Department Posts Pride Clip Featuring Gay & Lesbian Troops

Read More »

Defense Sec. Chuck Hagel: We Will Begin To Implement DOMA Changes At Once

“The Department of Defense welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision today on the Defense of Marriage Act. The Department will immediately begin the process of implementing the Supreme Court’s decision in consultation with the Department of Justice and other executive branch agencies. The Department of Defense intends to make the same benefits available to all military spouses – regardless of sexual …

Read More »

Quote Of The Day – Sen. Ted Cruz

“I am thankful for the support of my colleagues in passing amendments that are important to the State of Texas and the entire country, prioritizing the needs of our servicemen and women who daily sacrifice their lives to promote and defend our nation’s freedom. As this legislation is debated before the full Senate, I will work to ensure these measures …

Read More »

Rep. John Fleming Defends Amendment To Allow Harassment Of Gay Troops

“President Obama is continuing his war on free speech. With the IRS trying to intimidate and silence conservative groups, and the Justice Department digging into the phone records of reporters, it’s no surprise that the president also wants to deny First Amendment rights to our Armed Forces. With its statement, the White House is now endorsing military reprimands of members …

Read More »

DOD Pride Month Memo

(Via JMG reader Eloise)

Read More »

Pentagon Pride Flyer

Source.  (Tipped by JMG reader Elise)

Read More »

Senate Confirms Hagel

It was a mere formality once the filibuster ended earlier today. The Senate confirmed former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel (R) as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense on Tuesday, ending a long and contentious nomination process marked by an unprecedented GOP filibuster of a presidential cabinet level nominee. The final vote tally was 58 in favor, 41 opposed. All of …

Read More »

Senate Busts Hagel Filibuster

Minutes ago the Senate voted to end the filibuster of Chuck Hagel’s nomination for Secretary of Defense, clearing the way for a formal vote on his confirmation. The vote was 71-27 to end debate and send the nomination to the Senate for a full vote, which is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Hagel’s confirmation seems virtually assured, as Democrats control …

Read More »

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Extends Some Rights To Gay Military Families

Outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta today extended some privileges to gay members of the military and their families. Among the benefits to be offered are military ID cards for spouses, joint duty assignments, and access to support programs for military families. Via press release from Panetta’s office: Seventeen months ago, the United States military ended the policy of “Don’t …

Read More »

Chuck Hagel Grilled On Gay Rights

Clips are via AmericaBLOG where John Aravosis writes: Former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel was asked twice today about gays in the military, and gave answers that sounded somewhat rambling and confused. Which is odd, since he was obviously prepared for these kind of questions after the controversy over the past month regarding his past anti-gay statements while serving in the …

Read More »

Quote Of The Day – Chuck Hagel

“I fully support the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 and value the service of all those who fight for our country. I know firsthand the profound sacrifice our service members and their families make, and if confirmed as Secretary of Defense, I will do everything possible to the extent permissible under current law to provide equal benefits …

Read More »